Baking for the people in my life is one of my favorite ways to express my love for them. I really can’t think of much else that makes me happier than handing someone I care about a bag of cookies I made myself.
Something homemade makes for a great gift for just about anyone if your life–especially if you find yourself stuck–or maybe you’re being more conscious of your spending this year.
I have a few go-to cookie recipes that are *always* a hit, like this double chocolate crinkle cookie recipe, which is perfect for this time of year. And I’ve made Butternut Bakery’s best chocolate chip cookie recipe so many times I don’t even have to look at the recipe anymore! The chocolate chip cookies come together super fast while the crinkle cookies are more of a commitment just because the batter needs to spend about an hour in the freezer or if space is limited, about 4 hours in the refrigerator. This step is not to be missed and yes, I am speaking from experience lol. You will end up with globs of cocoa batter for fingers if you don’t do as you’re told.
I always keep Guittard dark chocolate chips on hand for last-minute baking! I swear by them and they really take the cookies to the next level. That and flaky sea salt. Just sprinkle a little Maldon salt on top of the chocolate chip cookies….so good. You can also do festive colored M&M’s, too. I also make sure I’m stocked up on vanilla extract because I seem to run through it pretty quickly.
I love the Hu chocolate bars for an everyday sweet treat, so I picked up their Hu salty dark chocolate gems and some of the regular Hu dark chocolate gems to try them out while I’m baking this season!
I can’t wait to use my new ginger bread cooling rack and holiday tree cooling racks 🙂 They’re so cute! If you’re looking for cookie cooling racks that are more fitting for year-round use, these are the ones I have.
Presentation adds a little something extra, so I stocked up on the best cookie bags, and these fa la la la la treat bags. If you are mixing up things like puppy chow or homemade Chex mix, these little food containers are perfect and the treat boxes are great if you’re in need or something more substantial.
When I’m serving up my cookies at home, I always reach for my festive plates and couldn’t resist the NYC holiday dessert plate–click through to see the other cities offered! I love my wooden serving platter for cookie plating and when it’s not being used for food, it sits on my dining table and is home to candles, my mini matchbox collection, photos and notes from friends…basically a spot for catch-all type things.
This holiday tree stoneware serving platter is really beautiful!
A FEW OTHER FINDS
Holiday cookie cutters for sugar cookies (you can shop lots of different shapes down in the widgets below)
Mini gingerbread waffle maker or a mini heart waffle maker for cozy breakfasts at home
There’s a lot to sift through on the Wondershop section but I’ve found so many affordable holiday things there!
BASIC BAKING ESSENTIALS
Cookie scoop for large cookies – This is actually an ice cream scoop, but it’s what the recipe above calls for and we do as we’re told, remember? 😉
Regular cookie scoop
Stainless steel measuring cups
Stainless steel measuring spoons
Large loaf pan and mini loaf pans for baking breads!
HOLIDAY COFFEE DRINKS
I overheard someone ordering a latte the week before last and they asked for a pump of toasted marshmallow syrup. I’m not usually into super sweet drinks, but I was intrigued so I did the same and it was delicious. I asked the barista what they used and found it in this mini holiday cheer syrup set which also comes with macadamia nut, peppermint, dark chocolate, and gingerbread flavors, along with the toasted marshmallow. They would make the perfect addition to your at-home coffee set up for the winter or a gift idea for the coffee lover in your life paired with a handheld milk frother and an espresso cup and saucer.
Do you have any favorite holiday recipes I need to try?